What's inside Alpen Light bars

This article was taken from the March 2011 issue of Wired
magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before
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OLIGOFRUCTOSE
This is a carbohydrate consisting of a short chain of linked
fructose units. Fructose is a simple sugar (C6H12O6) with a very
sweet taste and is a major component of treacle and honey.

GLYCEROL (aka glycerine, E422 and HOCH2CH(OH)
CH2OH)
This is a humectant that keeps the bar moist as well as sweet.
There is now a world glut of glycerol because it is a by- product
of biodiesel manufacture.

DEXTROSE
This is another name for D-glucose, as used in several processed
foods. Its name comes from dextrorotatory glucose ("dextra" meaning
"right"). It's produced by plants and can be digested easily by
humans.

LECITHIN (E322)
Lecithin, an emulsifier, consists of two long-chain fatty acids
bonded to phosphate. It has applications in pharmaceuticals,
plastics, inks and paint - it acts as a dispersant.

MALIC ACID (E296)
This is the acid found in unripe fruit. It is also the acid tang
of salt-and-vinegar crisps. And it's the acid used in many skin
treatments - "chemical peels" in which the top layer of skin is
scraped off.

TOCOPHEROL (E307 and C29H50O2)
A form of vitamin E and a powerful antioxidant, this is added to
many cosmetics in the belief that it can neutralise the free
radicals that some believe are the main cause of skin ageing.

SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2)
Dissolved in water, this preserves fruit. As a gas (originating
from sulphur in fossil fuels) it is blamed for causing acid rain.
It is also used to make sulphuric acid, industry's most heavily
used chemical.